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Bangkok highlight

Jim Thompson House & Museum is Bangkok’s equivalent of Dunedin’s Olveston or New York’s Frick Collection.

The home is a superb example of traditional Thai architecture and filled with Thompson’s personal belongings, including his outstanding art collection of ancient artefacts from Thailand and Myanmar.

The celebrated Thai silk merchant disappeared mysteriously in 1967 while visiting friends in Malaysia and his whereabouts still a mystery to this day.

The home is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens which are free to wander through. Guided tours of the house must be booked.

The most exciting, picturesque and cheap way to get there is by canal boat. jimthompsonhouse.org

Chiang Mai blessings

Hug an elephant and celebrate Songkran (the Thai New Year) in northern Thailand’s historic city Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is renowned as the city that best celebrates the multi-day festival in April with a friendly water fight as well as by sprinkling water over people’s heads or Buddha statues.

Be prepared to be soaked multiple times a day, though with temperatures averaging 37-39 degrees Celsius, drying out is not a problem and getting wet rather welcome.

FOUR FABULOUS THINGS TO DO IN CHIANG MAI: Elephant experience

– Due to pressure from tourists and animal action groups, many elephant operators no longer allow you to ride elephants in Chiang Mai, – which is a win for the elephants! Reputable organisations include Hug Elephant Sanctuary where you can trek

Where to stay

Choosing “travel sustainable” approved accommodation through booking.com softens your travel footprint.

Here are five budget-friendly escapes that we tried and loved.

Sweets Escape, Bangkok, approx. $63 per night

This really is a sweet escape in busy Bangkok city. Boutique in size and character, it’s tucked down a quiet side street yet a convenient 2-minute walk to the BTS Skytrain and MRT rail and multi-storey Terminal 21 shopping centre with an outstanding foodcourt. Beds supercomfortable. AC.

Hippy Hut, Koh Chang, approx. $15 per night

Choose a budget-friendly yurt-style bungalow with fan, mosquito net and basic ensuite or a room in the main building. Set in a picturesque jungle-like location, enjoy waking with the birds. Breakfast is extra but you won’t be able to go past the Earl Grey banana pancakes. A 10-minute walk from Bang Bao fishing village, shops and seafood restaurants, or short scooter ride to Khong Koi Beach, the nicest swimming beach on Koh Chang. BYO soap and shampoo.

Harley Moon Hideaway, Koh Chang, approx. $70 per night

It’s easy to relax at this gorgeous boutique escape with a unique red-tiled pool! Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival and relax in your comfortable private villa equipped with everything you could possibly need. Located opposite Good Thai Massage, good restaurants and a short walk to beach. Fan and AC. Peddle bikes available.

Hello Hostel Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya, approx. $31 per night

For price and location this clean, friendly hostel is hard to beat. We booked the private family room with ensuite. Basic continental breakfast is included. You can hire scooters or pushbikes from here. Walkable to night market and Wats Mahathat and Ratchaburana. AC.

Yi’s Garden Villa, Chiang Mai approx. $54 per night

A quiet haven located in the old city area with comfortable beds and a swimming pool. A lovely place to retreat to after a busy day of sightseeing with great restaurants, bars and Thai massage close by. AC. booking.com

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2023-05-04T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-05-04T07:00:00.0000000Z

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